South Pasadena Festival of Balloons

If you are in South Pas and you are reading this at any time on July 4th, then I have one thing to say to you:

What are you doing on the computer? You’re missing out on South Pasadena’s biggest day of the year!

Today is the 2011 4th of July Festival of Balloons — a red, white and blue extravaganza that could have been planned by Uncle Sam himself.

It all starts at 7:00AM with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at the firehouse at 817 Mound Avenue. ($7.00 per person, kids 6 and under eat for free!)

Opening ceremonies follow at 10:30AM at the South Pasadena Library Community Room.

The famous Festival of Balloons Parade starts at at 11:00AM at Diamond Avenue and Mission Street. This year’s parade theme is “Democracy, a Marathon of Freedom.” I have no idea what that actually means but I can promise it will include a whole lot of balloons, streamers, flags and really cute kids waving from wagons, vintage cars and homemade floats.

The parade ends at Garfield Park, but the fun will continue there all afternoon with games, square dancing, food and general 4th of July merriment. (Don’t forget sunscreen!)

The Greenest Fastest Mile Race begins promptly at 5:00 at the South Pasadena Library. If you’re not running, head on over to the South Pasadena High School. Gates open at 4:30PM for food, picnics on the basketball courts, water games and entertainment. Remember, if you are bringing chairs, make sure they are “track-friendly” with no sharp or pointy legs. (If your legs are sharp and pointy, that’s cool. Just don’t wear heels that might damage the track.)

The fireworks show will start at the high school field at 9:00PM. Tickets are available for $7.00 at the Pancake Breakfast and Garfield Park in the afternoon or $10.00 at the gate.

For more information, call 626-403-7240. Or, just step outside and join the city-wide party.